Overview
- The family’s preliminary, independent autopsy was disclosed Wednesday and concluded the cause and manner of death are undetermined while noting a focal red discoloration on the back of Wells’ head.
- The independent exam was performed after a state autopsy and did not include toxicology results or some body elements, limiting the examiner’s ability to confirm drowning or rule out neck injuries.
- Jackson County and the Mississippi medical examiner have not released their final report, and officials say they are awaiting state toxicology tests before completing the official findings.
- Ben Crump, representing Wells’ family, said the private exam could not rule out foul play and stressed that the family will pursue further review including a joint phone inspection and presenting evidence to a grand jury.
- Civil rights leaders and public figures have amplified calls for transparency, offered rewards for information, and the high-profile attention increases scrutiny on how local and federal investigators complete the probe.